With the January transfer window already beaconing, Chelsea are expected to go into the market to fortify the otherwise string but thin squad.

Antonio Conte bolstered his squad before the start of the season but he has laid bare his desire to make his team more formidable with new signings. Conte believes his side can only compete with Man City if he has more players at his disposal.

Chelsea have already been linked with the signing of some players but Conte has revealed that the brass of the club must sanction any deal before it can be done.

“I can give my opinion, but the last decision is with the club,” he said.

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“I think that it’s right to have a meeting with the club about the transfer market in January.

“I stay here to work, for the transfer market you have to ask the club.”

It was similar issue that almost created a deep in Conte’s relationship with the board of Chelsea. He had outlined the players he wanted in the summer but getting approval from the board left him frustrated.

Conte wanted to sign Leonardo Bonucci from Juventus but the defender favoured a move to AC Milan While Romelu Lukaku joined Manchester United.

However, he ended signing Alvaro Morata in a record deal while he was able to also sign Danny Drinkwater, Timoue Bakayoko and Danny Drinkwater.